call-in

1 of 2

adjective

ˈkȯl-ˌin 

: allowing listeners to engage in broadcast telephone conversations with the host or a guest

a call-in show

call in

2 of 2

verb

called in; calling in; calls in

transitive verb

1

: to order to return or to be returned: such as

a

: to withdraw from an advanced position

call in the outposts

b

: to withdraw from circulation

call in bank notes and issue new ones

2

: to summon to one's aid or for consultation

call in a mediator

3

: to deliver (a message) by telephone

call in an order for pizza

intransitive verb

: to communicate with a person by telephone

Phrases

call in sick

: to report by telephone that one will be absent because of illness

Examples of call-in in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The three-year contract allows Teamsters members to opt out of the city’s health plan, establishes a Step 6 with a 5% increase and raised call-in pay from $4.25 to $5 an hour. —Julia Fomby, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025

During the long years of Labour opposition, Lammy, who is fifty-two, hosted a call-in radio show and cultivated a significant presence online. —Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025

Verb

While the shooting happened in Jasper County, the Clinton County Prosecutor’s Office was called in to complete an independent review of the shooting. —Phil Helsel, NBC News, 28 Feb. 2025

Hochul also called in 5,600 members of the National Guard to help staff the prisons. —Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 28 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1952, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for call-in

• akin
• auxin
• buckskin
• chagrin
• deerskin
• foreskin
• fuchsin
• herein
• kingpin
• linchpin
• pigskin
• pinyin

Legal Definition

call in

transitive verb

: call sense 4